Beyond Teaching: The Extraordinary Efforts of eVidyaloka’s Volunteer Teachers

In rural classrooms across India, eVidyaloka’s volunteer teachers are bringing more than just academic lessons to students—they’re bringing compassion, innovation, and life-changing support. These volunteers, hailing from various backgrounds, invest time and creativity to make learning a memorable experience for children who might otherwise lack access to quality education. Here, we share three inspiring stories of volunteer teachers who go above and beyond to make a difference.

Pratyush Anand: Providing More Than Just Lessons

At Madhavganj School in Madhya Pradesh, Pratyush Anand is not only a teacher but also a problem solver. During an online AI class, he noticed a subtle yet important issue—some students didn’t have notebooks to take notes. Understanding the importance of note-taking in reinforcing learning, he didn’t hesitate to act. Collaborating with the Class Assistant, Pratyush swiftly arranged for notebooks and pens, ensuring that no student was left out of the learning process.

This simple but meaningful gesture brought smiles to the students’ faces, giving them the tools they needed to stay engaged. Pratyush’s attentiveness and quick response showed his students that he truly cares about their learning journey, reinforcing their enthusiasm for education. For Pratyush, teaching goes beyond the screen; it’s about building a supportive environment where students feel seen and empowered.

Vandana: Making Biology Come Alive with Physical Activity

For students at ZPHS Chandradana, biology lessons have become an interactive experience, thanks to Vandana’s inventive teaching approach. To make anatomy relatable, she begins each class with a short workout session. As students perform different exercises, Vandana uses the opportunity to teach them about the muscles and body parts being activated, making biology tangible and relevant.

Her unique blend of fitness and academics has turned her biology classes into an eagerly awaited event. Students not only learn about body systems through firsthand experience but also develop a newfound interest in the subject. Vandana’s approach nurtures both their physical health and their intellectual curiosity, showing that learning doesn’t have to be confined to textbooks. Through her creativity, she’s fostering a love for biology and helping students build a deeper understanding of their own bodies.

Rakshika: Adding Fun to Maths at GHPS Kalluru

In Kalluru’s GHPS school, Rakshika is reimagining how maths is taught to her 5th-grade students. Recognizing that many students found the subject challenging, she introduced an element of play by bringing the familiar game “Passing the Parcel” into her classroom. As students passed the parcel around, they would answer maths questions when the music stopped, adding an element of excitement and participation to the lesson.

This simple activity transformed the students’ attitude toward maths. Previously hesitant and disinterested, they began to approach problems with newfound confidence and joy. By merging play with learning, Rakshika created a classroom environment where students could explore maths without fear. Her dedication to making maths accessible and enjoyable has turned a once-daunting subject into a favourite activity, fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

Each of these volunteers has shown that teaching is about more than just conveying information; it’s about nurturing curiosity, creating joy, and ensuring that every child has the resources they need to thrive. Through their selflessness and creativity, Pratyush, Vandana, and Rakshika redefine what it means to be an educator. Their efforts remind us that impactful teaching is often about small actions that resonate in big ways, leaving a lasting mark on students’ lives.